All About Pocket Knives

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Wed Jan 07, 2026 11:47 pm Amber has been on the road today accompanying me on a trip to see my folks. They have both struggled with health issues with their age, and so I make the 100 mile trip just about every week for a couple days to help them out. My dad is the inspiration for my knife collecting for the past 40 years. He’s almost 87 and started collecting when he was in high school. I always show him my newest acquisitions when I visit, so I let him inspect Amber and as usual he declared her “a beauty”.
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This is kind of a full circle moment, right here. Very cool!

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Fri Jan 09, 2026 4:57 pm Thank you all for the comments regarding Dad and sharing Amber’s story and journey with him. I’ll try to get a pic of Amber with some of Dad’s knives before I head back home. My mom had an appointment with her cardiologist this morning, so Amber accompanied us on the trip. However, she had to wait in the car as I sensed she has a phobia with metal detectors. She didn’t have to wait alone as I have her paired up today with one of Brian’s knives…his Maher & Grosh 29 Texas Ranger, which is also a joy for me to carry and use.
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Picture of Amber visiting your Dad, It can't get any better than that,

If someone compiles a short pictorial history of Amber after a year, this certainly
should be included.

Bob

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Wed Jan 07, 2026 11:47 pm Amber has been on the road today accompanying me on a trip to see my folks. They have both struggled with health issues with their age, and so I make the 100 mile trip just about every week for a couple days to help them out. My dad is the inspiration for my knife collecting for the past 40 years. He’s almost 87 and started collecting when he was in high school. I always show him my newest acquisitions when I visit, so I let him inspect Amber and as usual he declared her “a beauty”.
IMG_7846.jpeg

Great shot of Amber with your father, BuckSharp! My father will also be turning 87 soon (early next month), and both parents have been struggling with age related issues, so I can sympathize with your situation.
Great to see all the wonderful pictures you have all posted of Amber on her journey around the country.

I’m a little overdue for an Amber update, but I’ve been super busy juggling work at home to get ready to travel back to the folks tonight. Glenn…I’ve got a couple more of Brian’s knives to pair Amber with before I pass her along. And Bob…I’m sure we should be able to compile all the pics once Amber reaches her final destination. Kevin…Thanks for the encouragement with the folks. It’s challenging and very rewarding at the same time to be able to help them in their time of need.

Amber has been with me for some long hours in the shop catching up on sharpening work. This old family heirloom folding hand saw is getting sharp and then headed back cross country to Washington. It’s only used to cut the family Christmas tree each year and my friend wanted to make sure it was in good order for this year’s cutting. This is the last job I had to catch up on before returning to the folks this week. Amber looks on awaiting her turn. Yes, she needs some fresh edges…but will wait till this weekend.

In looking at Brian’s favorite knives, with his signature patina, I’m fairly confident that my usual method produces similar results. Amber and I enjoyed a very fine cut of grilled beef recently and she performed flawlessly. I’ll leave the coping blade for someone else if they choose, but I figured the big spear needed some color and eventual rust protection. I’ll post an open blade pic soon to show the results.

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 5:01 am In looking at Brian’s favorite knives, with his signature patina, I’m fairly confident that my usual method produces similar results. Amber and I enjoyed a very fine cut of grilled beef recently and she performed flawlessly. I’ll leave the coping blade for someone else if they choose, but I figured the big spear needed some color and eventual rust protection. I’ll post an open blade pic soon to show the results.IMG_7882.jpeg

thanks Bryon, I now know what I'm having for dinner this evening! It's good to see Amber experiencing life the same way that she would have been treated if she initially landed at Brian's home. Your updates and pictures are greatly appreciated!

Catching up on this thread. You guys are putting her to the test, and posting some awesome pictures.

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 5:01 am In looking at Brian’s favorite knives, with his signature patina, I’m fairly confident that my usual method produces similar results. Amber and I enjoyed a very fine cut of grilled beef recently and she performed flawlessly. I’ll leave the coping blade for someone else if they choose, but I figured the big spear needed some color and eventual rust protection. I’ll post an open blade pic soon to show the results.IMG_7882.jpeg

I didn't even think of that....I had an amazing prime rib on Christmas day. I probably would have had strange looks from everyone at the table if I pulled out Amber to carve our rib...

bestgear wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 1:25 pm

thanks Bryon, I now know what I'm having for dinner this evening! It's good to see Amber experiencing life the same way that she would have been treated if she initially landed at Brian's home. Your updates and pictures are greatly appreciated!

I hope your steak was as enjoyable as mine! Prior to having Amber in my pocket, I didn’t think that I’d ever regularly carry a knife with a spear main blade. But I have to admit, my line of thinking may be changing.

glennbad wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 7:56 pm

I didn't even think of that....I had an amazing prime rib on Christmas day. I probably would have had strange looks from everyone at the table if I pulled out Amber to carve our rib...

That's understandable, Glenn! Amber and I were dining alone and had no reservations about sharing a moment together with a fine filet of beef!

I don't normally use my pocket knife for eating, unless when fishing, but I can.

Glad to see Amber getting some experience!

I almost always use my watch pocket knife when I eat out especially at a steak house. I usually have a small very sharp knife like a sodbuster or a small saddle horn in my watch pocket and would rather use it instead of the modified saw most restaurants call a steak knife.

I can’t believe that we are almost to the end of January already, but I’m kinda glad we are a little closer to spring. We have been hammered by snow the past few days and I’ve had my fill. Amber and I spent most of yesterday working on my tractor and plow to get the driveway cleared. Here’s a glamour shot of Amber and one from yesterday out in the elements.

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 5:12 pm I can’t believe that we are almost to the end of January already, but I’m kinda glad we are a little closer to spring. We have been hammered by snow the past few days and I’ve had my fill. Amber and I spent most of yesterday working on my tractor and plow to get the driveway cleared. Here’s a glamour shot of Amber and one from yesterday out in the elements.
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Nice glamour shot ... she is showing beautiful patina!

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 5:12 pmHere’s a glamour shot of Amber and one from yesterday out in the elements.

Wow, that is simply gorgeous I have no doubt that awesome patina would do Ivoryman proud

Great glamour shot.

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 5:12 pmHere’s a glamour shot of Amber

like wine & cheese she’s getting better over time! Well played Bryon; you obviously “get” Ivoryman and his patina passion.

Was wondering about Amber during these snow days. Thanks for
the update!

Bob

rea1eye wrote: ↑Wed Jan 28, 2026 3:36 am Was wondering about Amber during these snow days. Thanks for
the update!

Bob

She's warm and safe. Another dumping of 6-8" on top of the two feet we had on the ground will require her to ride shotgun on another plow job tomorrow.

bestgear wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 10:59 pm

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 5:12 pmHere’s a glamour shot of Amber

like wine & cheese she’s getting better over time! Well played Bryon; you obviously “get” Ivoryman and his patina passion.

Although I don't put a patina on every carbon user I have, I love the process of developing a patina on a blade naturally through use and I think Brian would concur.

edge213 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 9:42 pm

doglegg wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 6:37 pm Great glamour shot.

Thank ya, Doglegg!

QTCut5 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 6:17 pm

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 5:12 pmHere’s a glamour shot of Amber and one from yesterday out in the elements.

Wow, that is simply gorgeous I have no doubt that awesome patina would do Ivoryman proud

Thanks, "Q"...I think its coming along quite nicely!

Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 5:16 pm Nice glamour shot ... she is showing beautiful patina!

Much appreciated Tony!

Mighty handsome knife. So moving to honor Brian this way.

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 5:12 pm I can’t believe that we are almost to the end of January already, but I’m kinda glad we are a little closer to spring. We have been hammered by snow the past few days and I’ve had my fill. Amber and I spent most of yesterday working on my tractor and plow to get the driveway cleared. Here’s a glamour shot of Amber and one from yesterday out in the elements.
IMG_7973.jpegIMG_7967.jpeg

Great shots, Bryon! You guys have definitely succeeded in putting a beautiful Ivoryman inspired patina on that main blade.

TripleF wrote: ↑Wed Jan 28, 2026 12:27 pm Mighty handsome knife. So moving to honor Brian this way.

It's been an honor and pleasure to have this in my pocket for a month and to reflect on the circumstances that landed Amber in my pocket.

knifeaddict1965 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 28, 2026 4:15 pm Great shots, Bryon! You guys have definitely succeeded in putting a beautiful Ivoryman inspired patina on that main blade.

Thank you, Kevin...happy to pass it along with a good patina start and looking forward to seeing the rest of Amber's journey.

Amber and I spent our final day together before I carefully box her up and ship her off to Mark in Indiana. She was the final knife I sharpened today with my best edges. It’s been a pleasure and a highlight of my collector experiences to take part in this endeavor to honor a fellow collector and AAPK community legend.

BuckSharp wrote: ↑Thu Jan 29, 2026 11:18 pm Amber and I spent our final day together before I carefully box her up and ship her off to Mark in Indiana.